1798 single-ship action between the French First Republic and the United States as part of the Quasi-War; American victory
The capture of La Croyable was the first capture of any vessel by the newly formed United States Navy, marking its first naval victory.
Key Facts
- Date of action
- July 7, 1798
- American vessel
- USS Delaware (sloop-of-war)
- French vessel captured
- La Croyable (privateer schooner)
- USS Delaware complement
- 180 men
- USS Delaware armament
- Twenty long guns (sixteen 9-pounders, four 6-pounders)
- Renamed prize vessel
- USS Retaliation
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Rising tensions between the United States and France during the Quasi-War led Congress to authorize the newly formed U.S. Navy to capture French vessels preying on American commerce. After learning that the merchant ship Alexander Hamilton had been ransacked by a French privateer near Great Egg Harbor Bay, Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr. of USS Delaware began searching the bay for the culpable vessel.
On July 7, 1798, USS Delaware spotted four sails and feigned being a merchant ship, luring the French privateer schooner La Croyable into pursuit. Once the French captain recognized Delaware as a warship and attempted to flee, a chase ensued until La Croyable was cornered against the shore and surrendered after only a few cannon shots, becoming the first prize taken by the U.S. Navy.
La Croyable was adjudged a lawful capture, renamed USS Retaliation, and placed under Lieutenant William Bainbridge. Though she was later captured by French frigates Volontaire and Insurgente in November 1798—the only American naval vessel taken during the Quasi-War—she was subsequently recaptured by the U.S. Navy. Captain Decatur was celebrated as a hero for securing the Navy's inaugural victory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Stephen Decatur, Sr..
Side B
1 belligerent
Unknown (captain of La Croyable).